Understanding Wisdom Teeth Removal: Procedure And Recovery

Wisdom teeth removal is a commonly performed oral surgery and is often recommended to people as a preventative measure so that their teeth can be safe from any upcoming dental or oral issues. Most individuals can recover quickly and can get back to their normal activities in a few days only.

People have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner, which grow at the end of the gums. These teeth are the last ones to come through as they grow from the gums in an individual's late teens or early twenties. Prior to this time, the other 28 teeth usually take their place in the mouth. Thus, wisdom teeth don't have enough room to come out properly when they grow. Due to the lack of space, sometimes wisdom teeth might emerge at the wrong angle, partially emerge, or get stuck with other teeth. In such cases, these wisdom teeth are known as impacted. When wisdom teeth grow like this, dental healthcare professionals recommend people to get wisdom teeth removal.

Why are wisdom teeth removed?

The wisdom teeth aren't usually removed even if they become impacted and don't cause any issues to an individual. This is because there's no proven advantage to doing so. Sometimes, wisdom teeth that have become impacted or haven't fully come through the surface of the gum can cause dental issues. Food and bacteria might get trapped around the edge of the wisdom teeth, which can cause a build-up of plaque and can lead to the problems mentioned below. 

• Tooth decay (dental caries)

• Gum disease (also called gingivitis or periodontal disease)

• Pericoronitis – when plaque causes an infection of the soft tissue that surrounds the tooth

• Cellulitis – a bacterial infection in the cheek, throat or tongue

• Abscess – a collection of pus in the wisdom teeth or the surrounding tissue as a result of a bacterial infection

• Cysts and benign growths – a very rare condition in which a wisdom tooth that hasn't cut through the gum develops a cyst (a fluid-filled swelling)

What procedures are involved in wisdom teeth removal? 

Wisdom tooth removal can be performed by a dental healthcare provider or a specific oral surgeon working in the hospital. If the dentist recommends removing the wisdom teeth, they will take an X-ray of the patient's mouth to help them determine who should carry out the process. However, before going ahead with any procedures, people must know about the wisdom teeth removal cost. 

PROCEDURES INVOLVED IN A WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL

1. Providing anaesthesia

Before removing the wisdom teeth, people are given an injection of local anaesthesia to numb their teeth and the surrounding area. If an individual is particularly anxious about the procedure, the dentist or surgeon might give them a sedative to help them relax. The sedative is usually an injection into the arm of the patient. 

A general anaesthetic is rarely required for a wisdom tooth removal. It is only used occasionally when the process is carried out in the hospital. However, in such cases, people would still be able to go home on the same day of the removal process.

2. Removing the wisdom tooth

If the wisdom tooth hasn't come through the gum, a small cut or incision is made in the gum to access it. A small piece of the bone covers the tooth, which might also need to be removed. The teeth are usually cut into smaller parts to make it easier to remove through the opening. There is less need to make an incision if the tooth has come out through the gum.

People may feel some pressure just before the wisdom tooth is removed, as the dentist or oral surgeon needs to widen the tooth socket by rocking the tooth back and forth before taking it out. Individuals should not feel pain when their wisdom teeth are removed because the area will be numb. However, if someone does feel pain during the procedure, they must tell their dental healthcare professional so they can give them more anaesthetic. 

The time taken for wisdom teeth removal may depend upon various conditions. When a simple process is carried out, it takes only a few minutes; however, if the process is more complicated, it may take around 20 minutes. Therefore, people should always discuss the wisdom teeth removal cost with their dentist beforehand only. 

3. Steps after surgery

Dental healthcare professionals use dissolving stitches to seal the gum if an incision has been made for wisdom teeth removal. They tell the patients how long the stitches take to dissolve (usually 7 days to 10 days). The dentist may place gauze over the site of the extraction and ask people to keep pressure on it by biting their jaws together for up to an hour. This allows a blood clot to form in the empty tooth socket. Blood clots are part of the healing process, so try not to dislodge them.

In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed if an individual has an ongoing infection. For the first 24 hours after removing the wisdom tooth, people should avoid the following:

• rinsing the mouth out with liquid

• drinking hot liquids such as tea, soup, and more 

• strenuous physical activity

• drinking alcohol and smoking

How can people recover after wisdom teeth removal?

It usually takes up to 2 weeks to recover from the surgery to remove the wisdom tooth or teeth. During this time, people may have the following issue:

• A swollen mouth and cheeks – This will be worse for the first few days; however, it will gradually improve over time. People should gently press a cold cloth on their face, which helps reduce the swelling.

• Some mild visible bruising of the cheek – The skin may be mildly bruised for up to 2 weeks.

• A stiff and sore jaw – This should wear off within 7 days to 10 days.

• Pain – This is worse if the extraction is difficult or complicated.

• An unpleasant taste in the mouth.

• Tingling or numbness of the face, lips or tongue (although this is uncommon).

Individuals must report any excess bleeding, severe pain or any other unusual symptoms to their dental healthcare provider or oral surgeon as early as possible.

WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR WISDOM TEETH REMOVED AND WHAT ARE THE BEST POST SURGERY RECOVERY TIPS?

Self-care advice after wisdom teeth removal

To reduce pain and aid recovery, it can be helpful to follow the steps mentioned below.

• Use painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and more. It is recommended to have ibuprofen as it is one of the best painkillers to take after having a wisdom tooth removed. However, people should always read and follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions or consult their dentist. 

• Avoid strenuous activities and exercises for a few days. 

• Use an extra pillow to support the head at night. 

• For 24 hours, avoid rinsing, spitting, hot drinks or anything else that may dislodge the blood clots formed in the empty tooth socket as they help heal the process. 

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours. 

• Eat soft or liquid food for a few days and chew with the other teeth. 

• Gently rinse the extraction site with an antiseptic mouthwash after 24 hours, and repeat this regularly over the next few days, particularly after eating. People can also use warm water with a teaspoon of salt as a mouthwash to reduce gum soreness and inflammation. 

Working and driving

Dental healthcare professionals usually recommend taking a day or two off work after removing a wisdom tooth. However, for this, individuals don't need a sick note from their doctor or dentist. They can drive immediately after the process if local anaesthetic is used; however, they must avoid driving for at least 24 hours if a sedative was used or 48 hours if the process was carried out under general anaesthetic.

Returning to normal

After the wisdom teeth have been removed and any swelling and bruising have disappeared, the mouth and face return to normal. People may usually be able to brush their teeth generally after a few days. They should make sure to finish any course of antibiotics they have been given. A check-up appointment might be required for about a week or so after the process is done. At this point, any remaining stitches may be removed.

The bottom line

Nowadays, it is normal to have wisdom teeth removed. Almost all people get healed quickly from the extraction of wisdom teeth. If they follow all the instructions provided by the dental healthcare professionals, they can recover relatively quickly. An individual can visit and consult the dental healthcare provider at Clove Dental if they want to have a wisdom teeth removal treatment. However, it is essential for them to know the wisdom teeth removal cost before going ahead with any further procedure. Explore the website to know more.